The Savvy Traveler

10 Ways to Protect Your Phone While Traveling

Invest in a Good Case

Many experts recommend LifeProof as the best method to physically protect a phone, and options exist for both Apple and Android phones.

Besides protecting it from snow and dirt, LifeProof has also shown to waterproof phones six feet below water, and protect them from a six-foot drop. Dave Dean, Founder of tech site Too Many Adapters, also likes Taktik for iPhones. “You can throw it down a mountain and it will still work.”

9601280

Many experts recommend LifeProof as the best method to physically protect a phone, and options exist for both Apple and Android phones.

Besides protecting it from snow and dirt, LifeProof has also shown to waterproof phones six feet below water, and protect them from a six-foot drop. Dave Dean, Founder of tech site Too Many Adapters, also likes Taktik for iPhones. “You can throw it down a mountain and it will still work.”

ODonnell Photograf

Use a Screen Protector

Use a Screen Protector

Phil Baker, president of the product design company Techsperts, suggests getting a screen protector made from tempered glass, such as LionCover.Besides protecting your screen from scratches, it can also absorb an impact if dropped.

9601280

Phil Baker, president of the product design company Techsperts, suggests getting a screen protector made from tempered glass, such as LionCover.Besides protecting your screen from scratches, it can also absorb an impact if dropped.

Avoid Bringing Your Phone to the Beach

Avoid Bringing Your Phone to the Beach

Sun, sand and water can all be a phone’s arch nemesis. However, if it’s unavoidable, there are some ways to prevent major damage. If you don’t have a waterproof case, at the very least put it in a plastic bag to prevent getting it wet and sandy. Even better would be keeping it in a Sea to Summit bag, says Dean. Alternatively, there are companies such as Liquipel, which uses a liquid repellant to make phones water-resistant—but not waterproof.

For sun protection, Baker advises using a light-covered case and keeping it out of direct sunlight to prevent your phone from overheating. Additionally, Salt Cases claims to protect smartphones from extreme heat and cold by using a thermal technology employed by NASA. 9601280

Sun, sand and water can all be a phone’s arch nemesis. However, if it’s unavoidable, there are some ways to prevent major damage. If you don’t have a waterproof case, at the very least put it in a plastic bag to prevent getting it wet and sandy. Even better would be keeping it in a Sea to Summit bag, says Dean. Alternatively, there are companies such as Liquipel, which uses a liquid repellant to make phones water-resistant—but not waterproof.

For sun protection, Baker advises using a light-covered case and keeping it out of direct sunlight to prevent your phone from overheating. Additionally, Salt Cases claims to protect smartphones from extreme heat and cold by using a thermal technology employed by NASA.

Buena Vista Images

Protect Your Phone From the Cold

Protect Your Phone From the Cold

It isn’t just extreme heat that can affect your phone. Apple doesn’t recommend using iPhones in temperatures below 32 degrees; adverse effects can include the battery draining or dying. Some Android phones fare better and can handle below-zero temperatures. That said, if you have to use your phone, avoid extended periods and try to keep it warm inside a pocket the rest of the time. Alternatively, using a protective case such as Salt Cases might help as well. 9601280

It isn’t just extreme heat that can affect your phone. Apple doesn’t recommend using iPhones in temperatures below 32 degrees; adverse effects can include the battery draining or dying. Some Android phones fare better and can handle below-zero temperatures. That said, if you have to use your phone, avoid extended periods and try to keep it warm inside a pocket the rest of the time. Alternatively, using a protective case such as Salt Cases might help as well.

Mike Crane Photography

Bring a Portable Battery Charger

Bring a Portable Battery Charger

Anker is a popular choice for avoiding a dead battery, since it’s one of the best in the market for providing many hours of extended use in a lightweight package. (I personally own an Anker Astro E4 13000mAh, and it kept my phone alive while using battery-sucking GPS during an eight-hour road trip to Montreal.)9601280

Anker is a popular choice for avoiding a dead battery, since it’s one of the best in the market for providing many hours of extended use in a lightweight package. (I personally own an Anker Astro E4 13000mAh, and it kept my phone alive while using battery-sucking GPS during an eight-hour road trip to Montreal.)

baloon111

Turn Your Phone Off

Turn Your Phone Off

Yes, it seems obvious, but due to our reliance on them it’s not always the first thought. Yet this simple act can preserve a battery, reduce the effects of extreme heat or cold, and prevent further water damage (such as short circuiting) if it’s turned off right away. 9601280

Yes, it seems obvious, but due to our reliance on them it’s not always the first thought. Yet this simple act can preserve a battery, reduce the effects of extreme heat or cold, and prevent further water damage (such as short circuiting) if it’s turned off right away.

Photographer: Leonardo Patrizi

Prevent Your Phone From Getting Stolen

Prevent Your Phone From Getting Stolen

Depending on your destination, Johnny Jet, founder of travel site JohnnyJet.com, cautions against certain behaviors, such as placing your phone on a table at an outdoor restaurant, or keeping it in a bag. He personally wears a SCOTTeVEST jacket since it contains at least 20 pockets, including secret ones, to reduce the chance of having it stolen in case he’s mugged. Jet also buries his phone at the beach (in a LifeProof case) to prevent it from getting stolen while taking a dip in the ocean. (He places a towel on top as a marker.)

In the event your phone is stolen, the password protection feature, available on both iPhones and Androids, is a strong deterrent against thieves accessing your personal information. 9601280

Depending on your destination, Johnny Jet, founder of travel site JohnnyJet.com, cautions against certain behaviors, such as placing your phone on a table at an outdoor restaurant, or keeping it in a bag. He personally wears a SCOTTeVEST jacket since it contains at least 20 pockets, including secret ones, to reduce the chance of having it stolen in case he’s mugged. Jet also buries his phone at the beach (in a LifeProof case) to prevent it from getting stolen while taking a dip in the ocean. (He places a towel on top as a marker.)

In the event your phone is stolen, the password protection feature, available on both iPhones and Androids, is a strong deterrent against thieves accessing your personal information.

Don’t Leave Your Phone on an Airplane Seat During Takeoff and Landing

Jet says he’s heard stories of phones sliding off the seat and disappearing.

Leave Your Phone in the Hotel Safe

Leave Your Phone in the Hotel Safe

If your trip involves activities that pose a high risk to phones, such as sky diving or snorkeling, consider leaving it behind.9601280

If your trip involves activities that pose a high risk to phones, such as sky diving or snorkeling, consider leaving it behind.

Billy Hustace

Buy Insurance

Buy Insurance

Baker recommends AppleCare for iPhones and SquareTrade for Androids. “They’re much better than what you get from cell phone companies,” he says. These plans will cover damage resulting from common pitfalls such as dropping it or spilling water on it.9601280

Baker recommends AppleCare for iPhones and SquareTrade for Androids. “They’re much better than what you get from cell phone companies,” he says. These plans will cover damage resulting from common pitfalls such as dropping it or spilling water on it.

You Might Also Like

Photos

Fishing by Kayak

Dawn comes with a quiet tranquility as the fiery Florida sunrise provides a stunning backdrop for fishing. Reds, tarpon, trout, cobia and kings. They’re all here. All the time. In creeks, lakes, rivers and breakers along 42 miles of Atlantic shore.9601280

Dawn comes with a quiet tranquility as the fiery Florida sunrise provides a stunning backdrop for fishing. Reds, tarpon, trout, cobia and kings. They’re all here. All the time. In creeks, lakes, rivers and breakers along 42 miles of Atlantic shore.

George Kamper

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach

The “Golf Capital of the World” is a well-known – and well-deserved – name for Ponte Vedra Beach, which is home to dozens of world-class courses. Here, amateur players and accomplished professionals alike will find a golf course for every skill level.9601280

The “Golf Capital of the World” is a well-known – and well-deserved – name for Ponte Vedra Beach, which is home to dozens of world-class courses. Here, amateur players and accomplished professionals alike will find a golf course for every skill level.

Chris Condon

Anastasia State Park Beach

Anastasia State Park Beach

With sea foam and room to roam, Anastasia State Park Beach isn’t like Florida’s other beaches. It’s wider -- with sand packed perfectly for bike cruising. The waves are always up for a good ride -- while 4 miles of pristine beachfront beckon you to hike, swim, bird-watch and beachcomb.9601280

With sea foam and room to roam, Anastasia State Park Beach isn’t like Florida’s other beaches. It’s wider -- with sand packed perfectly for bike cruising. The waves are always up for a good ride -- while 4 miles of pristine beachfront beckon you to hike, swim, bird-watch and beachcomb.

Historic St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra

Historic St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra

Castillo de San Marcos represents the very fabric of historic St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra. Fashioned entirely of coquina rock, construction of the fort started in 1672 – more than a century after Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city in 1565.9601280

Castillo de San Marcos represents the very fabric of historic St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra. Fashioned entirely of coquina rock, construction of the fort started in 1672 – more than a century after Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city in 1565.

Hotel Ponce De León

Hotel Ponce De León

What’s now Flagler College was originally the Hotel Ponce De León, a lavish and sprawling resort built under the direction of Henry Flagler in 1888. An industrialist, oil magnate and railroad pioneer, Flagler played a vastly important role in the development of Florida’s east coast.9601280

What’s now Flagler College was originally the Hotel Ponce De León, a lavish and sprawling resort built under the direction of Henry Flagler in 1888. An industrialist, oil magnate and railroad pioneer, Flagler played a vastly important role in the development of Florida’s east coast.

Zach Thomas Photography

High Dunes

High Dunes

Here, enchanting tales of triumph surround each and every landmark. But surrounding the beaches is nothing but more beaches. You won’t find any towering buildings, hotels or condominiums blocking the sun while you're biking along the shore -- but you will find 42 miles of wide coastline.9601280

Here, enchanting tales of triumph surround each and every landmark. But surrounding the beaches is nothing but more beaches. You won’t find any towering buildings, hotels or condominiums blocking the sun while you're biking along the shore -- but you will find 42 miles of wide coastline.

Seaside Escape

Seaside Escape

Romantic resorts and spas stretch along the seaside. Quaint B&Bs nestle in old-world charm. And historic landmarks give you a glimpse into Florida’s past.9601280

Romantic resorts and spas stretch along the seaside. Quaint B&Bs nestle in old-world charm. And historic landmarks give you a glimpse into Florida’s past.

George Kamper

Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San Marcos

The area’s legendary armada of attractions is a favorite among families -- from discovering Juan Ponce de León’s famous Fountain of Youth to exploring the battle-tested Castillo de San Marcos and witnessing a cannon-firing from its gun decks.9601280

The area’s legendary armada of attractions is a favorite among families -- from discovering Juan Ponce de León’s famous Fountain of Youth to exploring the battle-tested Castillo de San Marcos and witnessing a cannon-firing from its gun decks.

Historic Ships

Historic Ships

In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles -- founder of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra -- leaned along the worn, wooden rails of a Spanish galleon and peered through a brass eyepiece. As if by magic, he spotted rolling dunes and coastline. Even now, 450 years later, the town he established has never stopped progressing, preserving and mystifying.9601280

In 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles -- founder of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra -- leaned along the worn, wooden rails of a Spanish galleon and peered through a brass eyepiece. As if by magic, he spotted rolling dunes and coastline. Even now, 450 years later, the town he established has never stopped progressing, preserving and mystifying.

Classic Romance

Classic Romance

Does your love story start aboard a schooner sailing the Matanzas? Or does the passion begin with a couple’s massage in Ponte Vedra Beach? With old-world style at every turn, live out your own romantic tale on Florida’s Historic Coast.9601280

Does your love story start aboard a schooner sailing the Matanzas? Or does the passion begin with a couple’s massage in Ponte Vedra Beach? With old-world style at every turn, live out your own romantic tale on Florida’s Historic Coast.

George Kamper

Historic District

Historic District

The historic district -- where everything comes together. Here, the bars and restaurants that line St. George and its sister streets combine 5 centuries of culinary tradition with hand-crafted cocktails to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida. 9601280

The historic district -- where everything comes together. Here, the bars and restaurants that line St. George and its sister streets combine 5 centuries of culinary tradition with hand-crafted cocktails to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida.

George Kamper

Flagler College

Flagler College

The twin spires of Flagler College were once water storage tanks which contained 8,000 gallons each and provided running water for guests of the former Hotel Ponce De León. Later, during World War II, one of the towers served as a temporary jail when the hotel was occupied by the U.S. Coast Guard.9601280

The twin spires of Flagler College were once water storage tanks which contained 8,000 gallons each and provided running water for guests of the former Hotel Ponce De León. Later, during World War II, one of the towers served as a temporary jail when the hotel was occupied by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hollister Hills SVRA (Hollister, California)

Hollister Hills SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) has 24 miles of trails, including a man-made obstacle course that features a mud bog, which attracts big crowds on the weekends. Located in the mountains dividing the city of Hollister from the Salinas Valley, many of the routes at this off-road course are impassable when wet -- and always a challenge. 9601280

Hollister Hills SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) has 24 miles of trails, including a man-made obstacle course that features a mud bog, which attracts big crowds on the weekends. Located in the mountains dividing the city of Hollister from the Salinas Valley, many of the routes at this off-road course are impassable when wet -- and always a challenge.

Peter Kemmer, flickr

Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah

Moab in Southeastern Utah, is an iconic off-roading destination in the US. The terrain has been a battleground for off-roaders, mountain bikers, hikers and rafters -- so much so that some trails have been fully or partially closed to off-road vehicles. However, there’s plenty of space for 4x4 trucks and other modified off-road rigs. Guided trail tours and Jeep rentals are available in the area. State resident or non-resident Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permits are required.9601280

Moab in Southeastern Utah, is an iconic off-roading destination in the US. The terrain has been a battleground for off-roaders, mountain bikers, hikers and rafters -- so much so that some trails have been fully or partially closed to off-road vehicles. However, there’s plenty of space for 4x4 trucks and other modified off-road rigs. Guided trail tours and Jeep rentals are available in the area. State resident or non-resident Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permits are required.

Cavan Images

The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park (Marseilles, Illinois)

The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park (Marseilles, Illinois)

Looking for muddy fun? Head to Marseilles, IL, where off-road enthusiasts converge on The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park. This heavily wooded park features large fields, creeks and 1 treacherous mud hole -- you’ll have to ask park personnel where it is. Just a few words of wisdom: Watch out for deep holes disguised as easy mud puddles.9601280

Looking for muddy fun? Head to Marseilles, IL, where off-road enthusiasts converge on The Cliffs Insane Terrain Off-Road Park. This heavily wooded park features large fields, creeks and 1 treacherous mud hole -- you’ll have to ask park personnel where it is. Just a few words of wisdom: Watch out for deep holes disguised as easy mud puddles.

Cheryl Lindo Jones

Whipsaw Trail (South-Central British Columbia)

Whipsaw Trail (South-Central British Columbia)

Close to Coalmont, Princeton, in British Columbia, the Whipsaw Trail should be on your list to visit between July and August, when the rainfall is lowest. Winner of the BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails award, this trail is an active mining and logging road, so watch out for traffic! Some areas of the trail are challenging and may require a winch and tow strap if your 4x4 or rig gets stuck.9601280

Close to Coalmont, Princeton, in British Columbia, the Whipsaw Trail should be on your list to visit between July and August, when the rainfall is lowest. Winner of the BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails award, this trail is an active mining and logging road, so watch out for traffic! Some areas of the trail are challenging and may require a winch and tow strap if your 4x4 or rig gets stuck.

Travelcedric@flickr

Redneck Yacht Club (Punta Gorda, Florida)

Redneck Yacht Club (Punta Gorda, Florida)

Welcome to the Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park in Punta Gorda, FL. This is the ultimate destination for mudding and off-roading enthusiasts. The 800-acre park has 3 mud holes, a mud track, drive-thru buggy/ATV wash, camping, food vendors and much more. The Redneck Yacht Club has 4 mud holes to choose from depending on your riding preferences, including Hog Waller and Gator Slough.9601280

Welcome to the Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park in Punta Gorda, FL. This is the ultimate destination for mudding and off-roading enthusiasts. The 800-acre park has 3 mud holes, a mud track, drive-thru buggy/ATV wash, camping, food vendors and much more. The Redneck Yacht Club has 4 mud holes to choose from depending on your riding preferences, including Hog Waller and Gator Slough.

Shiloh Ridge (Alto, Texas)

Shiloh Ridge (Alto, Texas)

It’s known as the first and original off-road park in Texas. Shiloh Ridge is home to the Texas Redneck Games, a 4-day event that includes mudding, camping, live entertainment, wet T-shirt contests and more! Located north of Alto, TX, this park -- open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- welcomes owners of ORV (off-road vehicles), ATVs and motorcycles.9601280

It’s known as the first and original off-road park in Texas. Shiloh Ridge is home to the Texas Redneck Games, a 4-day event that includes mudding, camping, live entertainment, wet T-shirt contests and more! Located north of Alto, TX, this park -- open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- welcomes owners of ORV (off-road vehicles), ATVs and motorcycles.

Charley

Azusa Canyon (Azusa, California)

Azusa Canyon (Azusa, California)

This is the only state-owned-and-operated mud mecca in Southern California. Fed by the San Gabriel River, the bogs here are deep with silt from the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains, making it a perfect spot for mudding. In order to get in, your rig should be legal to drive on the street.9601280

This is the only state-owned-and-operated mud mecca in Southern California. Fed by the San Gabriel River, the bogs here are deep with silt from the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains, making it a perfect spot for mudding. In order to get in, your rig should be legal to drive on the street.

Rodney Wills, flickr

The Mounds ORV Area (Mt. Morris, Michigan)

The Mounds ORV Area (Mt. Morris, Michigan)

Located in Mt. Morris, MI (near Flint, MI), The Mounds is a large complex with soft, sandy soil and small- to medium-sized ponds scattered throughout the park. High horsepower isn’t recommended; rig with 33-inch mud tires and waterproofed electronics will suffice.9601280

Located in Mt. Morris, MI (near Flint, MI), The Mounds is a large complex with soft, sandy soil and small- to medium-sized ponds scattered throughout the park. High horsepower isn’t recommended; rig with 33-inch mud tires and waterproofed electronics will suffice.

Daniel May

Truck Night at Yankee Lake (Brookfield, Ohio)

Truck Night at Yankee Lake (Brookfield, Ohio)

Prepare to go off-roading in some of the most challenging bogs in the US. In Brookfield, OH, Truck Night at Yankee Lake attracts huge crowds who want to watch high-horsepower trucks compete in gritty mud pits with fun activities like the rock crawl, log climb, car crush and tug o' war. Truck Night is on Friday nights from May through September. We recommend off-roading fans check out the season opener event, Trucks Gone Wild.9601280

Prepare to go off-roading in some of the most challenging bogs in the US. In Brookfield, OH, Truck Night at Yankee Lake attracts huge crowds who want to watch high-horsepower trucks compete in gritty mud pits with fun activities like the rock crawl, log climb, car crush and tug o' war. Truck Night is on Friday nights from May through September. We recommend off-roading fans check out the season opener event, Trucks Gone Wild.